Lindbergs Tavern, at 318 W. Commercial St., is Springfield's oldest bar, dating back from the late 1800s. / Submitted Photo

Most live-music lovers are familiar with the big joints in town — the well-promoted theaters and arenas that capture all of the national acts — places like Hammons Hall, JQH Arena, the Gillioz Theatre or Shrine Mosque. If you dig a little deeper, though, you can find a great hole-in-the-wall bar or an anonymous venue to witness both national and local musicians.

On the second floor

On the east side of South Avenue, between McDaniel and Walnut streets, sits the second-story Outland Ballroom, the perfect place to stop for those on a downtown trek. Look for a steep flight of stairs to the second level of the building above the similarly named Outland and the Highlife Martini Lounge (two separate ground-level locations in the complex where you can also see a great local show).

Outland Ballroom owners Robert Piper, Jimmy Kochs and Kevin Willis have made it their mission to devote their venue to audiophiles of the Ozarks since 2002.

“We’re 100 percent live music,” Piper said. “That’s the focus. It’s not really a place to come and have a conversation. Our mission objective is to provide good national acts and also support the community of local music.”

Piper said the Outland Ballroom gang has achieved its musical mission by booking national acts and by offering local acts exposure. Recent big-name draws have included rapper Afroman, Texas-based psychobilly trio Reverend Horton Heat and Joplin indie pop band Never Shout Never.

Piper said there’s been a noticeable improvement generally in local concerts.

“It’s really good now,” he said. “You have a lot of bands that work really hard. Some come in unpolished, but really improve. Our venue is the last level before you start getting serious.”

Piper said local bands to look out for include: Honky Suckle, Jah Roots, Call Me Beta, and the Detectives.

There’s no hesitation to try out new sounds at the ballroom, Piper said, adding that the Outland Ballroom will take a chance on anything.

Granddaddy of bars

The place has some history and dates back to the late 1800s. Known previously as Lindbergs Fine Food and Drink, it provided a gathering place for northside residents.

Now it’s a great place to hear a live show. This venue features high, decorated ceilings, a dark wood bar with intricate carvings and arch-shaped mirrors encased in Romanesque pillars.

Kickapoo High School buddies Eric Weiler and Ryan Dock fulfilled their dream of owning a bar and purchased Lindbergs in 2009. It had been closed since 1990.

After chasing bands to book in their first year of operation, now artists are approaching them. Artists with recognizable names have included southern rockers Black Oak Arkansas and country musician Wayne Hancock.

“Availability rules the booking,” Weiler said. “A lot of times, we’re in a position geographically to catch traveling bands between their gigs in St. Louis and Kansas City.”

“Bands that have played here in the ’70s and ’80s are always excited to come back,” added Dock.

Although being off downtown’s beaten track doesn’t attract casual wanderers, Dock sees the location as an advantage.

“I think people get a little bit worn-out on that scene,” he said. “We’re a good alternative to that. We’re off slightly from the usual path. We keep the bar extremely clean, and people realize it’s a niche place to see a show.”

Age groups for the acts at Lindbergs vary. The place encourages generational diversity.

“If you have guys playing in their 50s here, you’re not going to get college kids. And vice versa, if you have a younger band, you get the younger crowd,” Dock said.

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Once the "worst location in town"

When Bob Martin, or “Dr. Bob” as he’s known on his radio show on KXUS-FM, opened Nathan P. Murphy’s as a jazz club 30 years ago on South Campbell Avenue, he knew he was taking a risk on the location that bordered dilapidated buildings.

“It was the worst location in town at the time, but I’ve been fortunate enough to find an audience that appreciates music,” Martin said.

Now Nathan P. Murphy’s showcases blues music and features unique poetry slams. It’s no longer the worst location in town.

Good tunes and free verse have turned things around, thanks to the good doctor.

Martin said that after 30 years in the business, he feels warm inside when customers say they appreciate what he’s doing.

“The greatest feeling I get is shaking hands with a customer,” Martin said. “It’s such a thrill after an awesome show to be thanked by a patron — for being in business for them.”